Chasing Our Lost Stars [Completed]

Graduation day [Epilogue 1]

Krit adjusted his graduation gown, feeling the weight of the moment as he scanned the crowd. His father, Lek, stood near the back, his usual stern expression softened by a rare glint of pride. Beside him, Dao, Krit's stepmother, gave an encouraging nod. Pon, bouncing on his toes, waved energetically when he caught Krit's eye. Krit couldn't help but smile at his younger brother's enthusiasm.

Sai leaned against a pillar, phone in hand but clearly not paying attention to it. He shot Krit a smirk before turning to someone beside him. Krit followed his gaze, his heart warming as it landed on Vel. Standing just behind the crowd, Vel's quiet presence radiated a sense of calm that anchored Krit.

When Krit's name was called, as he was one of the top 5 students of the university, applause erupted. But as he took the stage, it wasn't just the formality of graduating that filled him with pride. It was seeing Vel there, standing with his family, looking at him with something so genuine in his eyes-love.

For the first time, Krit felt like all the pieces of his life were falling into place. And Vel was the piece that made it all make sense.

Krit's Graduation Speech .

"Good afternoon, everyone. Wow, this is surreal. Today, standing here in front of all of you, I feel an overwhelming sense of happiness. But also, there's a bittersweet note, knowing that this chapter is coming to a close.

First of all, I want to thank my friends. You guys made these past few years unforgettable. Michael, you've been the best support system,"-Krit glanced toward Michael, who smiled warmly, nodding as if to say, we did it. "And Sonic, man, I don't know how Michael would survive without you." Sonic's laugh lightly as Michael threw his arm around sonic's shoulder, shaking his head with playful pride.

"Ping, you always managed to lighten up even the hardest days with your humor." Ping chuckled and gave a mock salute, causing a few others nearby to laugh. "Winner, you've been my partner in every challenge." Winner flashed a thumbs-up, his expression proud yet humble. "All of you-our random study sessions, late-night hangouts, the stupid things we did-those are moments I'll miss. I don't know what the future holds for us, but I'll cherish these times for the rest of my life." Krit's friends exchanged looks, their expressions ranging from nostalgia to bittersweet smiles, all clearly touched by the shared memories.

Turning to his professors and teachers, Krit continued, "To my teachers and professors, I wouldn't be here today without you. Thank you for guiding me through challenges, even when I wasn't sure I'd make it." Several professors in the crowd smiled back at him, some nodding in approval and pride.

"I'm also incredibly proud today because I know I've made my father proud. And Dao thanks for being there" Krit's voice softened as he met Lek's gaze. Lek's normally stoic expression softened, his eyes glistening with a rare moment of emotion. He gave a slight nod, silently acknowledging his son's words. Dao just smiled softly in response.

Krit continued, his eyes drifting to Pon. "And Pon, my little brother-thank you for always being my biggest fan, the one who never fails to make me laugh." Pon's face lit up, his smile wide and infectious as he gave Krit a playful thumbs-up, mouthing the words, that's what brothers are for.

Finally, Krit took a deep breath, his heart pounding as he looked straight at Vel. "Vel-where do I even start?" Vel's expression shifted from composed to one of raw emotion, his gaze locked on Krit, eyes brimming with unspoken feelings. "Thank you. Thank you for standing by me, for grounding me when life got tough. Without you, this journey would've been ten times harder." Vel's lips parted in a soft smile, his eyes sparkling with pride and love as he absorbed every word. "You've made my life brighter, happier, and I can't imagine this moment without you by my side. You're not just part of my life-you are my life." Vel gave a subtle nod, his smile widening, his face glowing with pride, his hands clenched as if holding back the urge to run up to Krit.